Rodriguez, Andrade presser

Emily Harney

Undefeated prospect Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez has been added to the loaded “Saturday Afternoon Special” as the headliner in an 8 round middleweight match. U.S. Olympian Demetrius “The Cape Verdean Assassin” Andrade and former University of Rhode Island football player, Vladine Biosse, also will be featured on a rare matinee pro boxing show, “Saturday Afternoon Special,” Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, R.I. “Saturday Afternoon Special” is presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports Inc. (CES), in association with Twin River.

Rodriguez (11-0, 8 KOs) was supposed to fight last night in New Hampshire, but his opponent pulled out and now “La Bomba” will explode on Rhode Island against an opponent to be determined.

“The other night I got a call from two friends, Larry Army and Lou DiBella, asking if I could help them out because Edwin’s fight had fallen out,” CES president Burchfield explained. “He had been training 5-6 weeks. I didn’t hesitate. His manager, Larry Army, in two days got a front page story about Edwin fighting on our card in the Worcester newspaper. He has developed a bond with his trainer, Peter Manfredo, Sr., and has a great promoter, Lou DiBella. Edwin has all of the ingredients to be world champion. After the deal was finalized, the first call I got was from Edwin, who thanked me for putting him on the card. I’m proud – all of the CES fighters are proud – to have Edwin fighting in the October 3rd main event.”

“It doesn’t bother me at all,” Rodriguez said about fighting on a different card. “One minute I was fighting, then I wasn’t, and this is a blessing in disguise. I’m headlining a better card in a better venue. I’ve been training hard to improve because in a year I want to be fighting for a title. I want to fight people who make me a better fighter, instead of fighting [opponents] I put away in a round or two, which will only hold me back from improving and getting me ready for when my title shot comes.”

Andrade, fighting at home again out of Providence, is a former World amateur champion fighting in the 6-round co-feature versus another undefeated prospect, Chris Chatman (3-0, 1 KO). Andrade’s (7-0, 6 KOs) fight will be a 6-rounder, in association with Banner Promotions and Star Boxing.

Providence super middleweight Biosse (3-0, 3 KOs), a 2-time Junior College All-America football player at Dean College, has shown consistent adjustments from the gridiron to the ring and is ahead of the pace with three wins, all by impressive knockouts. The former URI Rams football player faces Tafari Lawton (1-0) in a 4-rounder.

Rollback ticket prices for “Saturday Afternoon Special” are $25.00, $35.00 $50.00, $100.00 ($15.00 redeemable free play at Twin River), and limited $150.00 Jimmy’s Platinum Club ($25.00 redeemable free play at Twin River), and are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.

Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 1 PM/ET, first bout at 2 PM/ET.

(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Saturday Afternoon Special.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)

Press Conference Quotes

Edwin Rodriguez: “This isn’t going to be a good show; it’s going to be a great show with a lot of talented people fighting. We’re destined for greatness. I saw Bauza knock out his opponent on CES’ last show. Andrade is a helluva fighter and a good friend. Jesus is a good fighter, too. We’re going to be world champions. I’m happy to be part of this show. I will do my job and put my opponent to sleep.”

Demetrius Andrade: “Mama’s here and she says, ‘Knock ‘em out,’ and that’s what I do. I’ve been doing my job, working hard, staying disciplined. I’ve been on the streets, working with kids. Jimmy is putting on this daytime show so kids can come. I amaze people; I’m blessed. After the show I’ll be signing autographs for everybody. Jimmy is setting up an area (meet-and-greet with fighters).”
David Bauza: “I’m ready for this fight. I hope everybody comes and enjoys it.”

Edwin Soto: “I’ve worked very hard for the Oct. 3rd show. I’m ready to win and demonstrate what I have. I’m going to put on a great show. I will be world champion.”
Jesus Caro: “I hurt my hand and I’m just getting back into it. My hand feels good. I told Jimmy and he put me on this show. I’ve been working hard and I’m anxious to back in there Saturday.”